Theatre & Performative Practices

Course Outline

The Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre & Performative Practices) is a conversion course to Theatre-related studies for students with degrees in subjects other than Theatre or with Theatre as a minor subject. Completion of the Higher Diploma in Theatre & Performative Practices effectively converts your degree to the equivalent of an honours degree with Theatre as the main subject. It is designed for non-theatre graduates who wish to upskill, gain an additional qualification in the area of Theatre & Performative Practices which will pave the way to further study at MA or PhD level.



The course is ideal for those who have acquired theatre-related skills in previous years, for example in a youth or community theatre setting, and now wish to build on that experience and advance it to professional levels with the potential for a career in the professional theatre or specific areas of applied theatre, including drama in education.



The Higher Diploma in Arts (Theatre & Performative Practices) shall consist of modules to the value of 60 credits taken from a range of existing Second and Final Year modules in Drama and Theatre Studies. Suitable modules as well as attendance requirements and coursework are determined by the relevant departments/schools and approved by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. For any given subject, the programme of study to be followed may differ for each individual student, depending on the individual's background and preferred area of specialisation.

Areas taught on the programme include:

Theatre and Performative Practices

Cultures of Voicing

Cultures of Movement and Place

Performance Technologies

Applied Drama and Theatre

Performative Writing

Practical Internship Work Placement



The modules are selected from the modules designed for UCC’s Drama & Theatre Studies Joint and Single Honours degree courses. Students will select 30 credits from year 2, and 30 credits from the final year.

Applications will be considered from graduates in any subject other than Drama and Theatre Studies.



Applicants will normally have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or above.



Applicants with significant professional-level drama and theatre experience will also be considered.



Applicants will be asked to attend a workshop and/or interview with staff from Drama and Theatre Studies. Screen arrangements may be made in the case of applications from international students.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

The Department of Drama & Theatre Studies employs a wide range of assessment methods, matching the nature and requirements of its various course options. They include: continuous assessment and practical examinations for performance options; a portfolio of written texts; written responses to set texts and to seminars and coursework that ranges from formal essays to learning journals. Full details and regulations governing Examinations for this programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time.

Start Date 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

Occupations associated with a HDip in Arts (Theatre & Performative Practice)



Graduates can move directly into careers as: actors/performers, directors, writers, producers, technicians, educators, practitioners in various fields of applied drama and theatre.



Career sectors include theatre, film, television communications, education and arts and cultural management.